Collapsible table and case



c. E. MORFOOT. COLLAPSlBLE TABLE AND CASE. APPLICATION FILED JUNE], 1 ,921.

Patented June 20-, 1922..

1:420,126'; I 3 SHEETS-SHEET I I Y ff 5 :T 4d

, [mentor Attorneys C. E. MORFOOT.

COLLAPSIBLE TABLE AND CASE.

, APPLICATION FILED JUNE 7, 1921. 1,420,126.,

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7 HM J A w M Q n 0 19M 6 J I 2 T r 4 Attorne s Z mentor CHARLES E. MOB/FOOT, 01? NEVADA, IOWA.

GOLLAESIBLE TABLE AND CASE.

Application filed June 7,

To aZZ iii/ 10m it may concern:

Be it known that l, Cninmns E. Monroor, a citizen (IF the United States, and a resident of Nevada. inv th county of Story and State of Iowa, have invented a certain new and useful Collapsible Table and Case, of which the following is a specification.

The object of my invention is to provide a collapsible table and case of very simple, durable and inexpensive construction.

hilore particularly, it is my ob ect to provide such a table adapted for use as an unatlertakens table. and tor a variety of other uses, which can be readily and easily collapsed into a very small space and can be asily extended and made to form a suitable table for the purpose, having ample strength and rigidity. i

iVith these and other objects in view, my invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my device, whereby the Ol'JjBC'tS con ten'iplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set torth, pointed out in my claims, and illustrated in the accompanying draw-- inns, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side elevation of c0llapsible table, ember yin z my invention.

Figure shows an end view ot the same, the liizy tongs levers at the side being omitted 'l'or inore clearly illustrating other parts.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the table when rollapsed with the top removed.

Figure t shows a detail, sectional view of one of the brace joints.

Figure 5 shows a detail, sectional view of one at the extension lens.

Figure (5 shows a similar view taken at right angles to the vi w shown in Figure 5.

Figure shows a vertical. sectional view through one or the longitudinal frame members at the joint therein.

Figure shows a detail, sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 shows an end view of the table collapsed.

Figure 10 shows a horizontal, sectional view talren on the line ill--10 of Figure 9.

Figure "ll shows a perspective, sectional view. illustrating a portion of one of the longitudinal frame members and means of connecting the brace therewith.

Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the sliding member to which the brace is connected.

Figure 13 shows a. vertical, sectional view Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 2@, 1922.,

1921. Serial No. 475,627.

through one of the legs at One end of the table with the main frame members in folded position.

l igure 14 shows a similar view of one of the legs at the other end of the table.

Figure 15 shows a side elevation of a por tion of the table top.

Figure 16 shows an end view of the table collapsed and received in a portion of the folded top; and

Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the case for the entire device.

It is well-known that there are certain peculiar problems connected with the undertaking business. It is frequently necessary for the undertaker to go to the home of the deceased to embalm and otherwise care for the body.

In preparing the body for burial, it is necessary to have a table, upon which it may be laid out and embalmed, and it is the custom for the undertaker to carry his table with him to the place where the body is to b cared for. As far as I know, this involves always the carrying of at least two and usually three packages 01" considerable size, bulk and weight.

By constructingthe table herein described in the manner he 'einafter more fully set forth and arranging it as herein explained, I have made it possible to place the table with its top and all the necessary equipment in a single package, which can be carried bv one handle.

It is thus possible tor the undertaker to carry his entire equipment in one package. Thi package may be conveniently carried in an automobile, or the like. and may be easily carried into and out of the house and else' where. wher it may be needed.

In this connection, it may be mentioned, however. that my improved table may be used. as a surgeons table. as a picnic table and for tourists and the like, and for a c rca-t variety of other purposes.

In the drawings herewith, which illustrate my invention. I have shown a collapsed or folding table having four legs spaced from each other, said legs being arranged in rectangular relation to each other. The legs, I have indicated generally by the reference character 10.

T he legs are preferably extensible and comprise the tubular leg 10 with the lower leg member 11 designed to be telescopically received in the leg member 10. The member 11 has a series of holes 12 designed to selectively receive a locking pin 13. which is mounted in the wall of the leg 10 and is normally held in its position by means of a pull spring 14-. By pulling the pin 13 outwardly until it leaves one of the holes 12, it will be Seen that the leg member 11 will be shoved longitudinally in either direction with relation to the leg 10 for lengthening or shortening the leg.

At its sides, the leg member 11 may be provided with grooves 15 to slidably receive the heads of the rivets and lazy tongs levers are secured to the legs. so that the leg 11 may slide freely in the leg 10 without being interfered with by such rivets.

Eachv leg has in its lower end a caster wheel 16. V

The two legs at each side of the table are connected together by longitudinal top supporting frame members in the manner which will now be described.

At the upper end of each leg 1.0 is a block or body 18. The body 18 has a downward extension 19 rigidly received in the upper end of the leg 10. The bodies 1,8 in the upper ends of all the legs have preterahly ears 20. extending in opposite directions trrom the upper end of the leg longitudinally of the table.

At what may be called the head end of the table, the ears 20 have in their upper edges notches 21, the purpose o't which will hereinatter more clearly appear.

The longitudinal. frame members at the opposite sides ol" the table at the upper end thereof are preferably made of hollow tubing, preferably rectangular in outline.

The two side legs 10 at each side of the table are connected by two frame members 22. The frame members at each side of the table have their lower or bottom walls cut away a sutllcient distance to permit them to swing from horizontal position, as shown in Figure 1 downwardly to vertical posiion, as shown in Figures 13 and 14.

The notches 21 are for the purpose ot' receiving the upper walls of the extension frame members 23 at the head end of the table.

The side walls of the members and 23 receive between them the ears 20 and are pivoted thereto by means of pintles 24.

At the foot end of the table, extension members 25, similar in construction to the members 23, are similarly pivoted to the ears 20.

The members and 23ers held more firmly and properly in position by means of plates 26 on the inner and outer sides, which are mounted on the pivot pins or pintles 24. Similar plates 26 connect the outer and inner sides of the members 22 and 25. as shown for instance in Figure 1.

lVhen the members 22 are swung from their positions shown in Figures 13 and 15 to horizontal position, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, they may be locked together in the following manner:

On one of said members is mounted an elongated block 27 which has a pin extending laterally through a slot 28 in the wall or the member 22, said pin being indicated by the reference numeral 29.

Ordinarily the block 27 is entirely retracted within the body of the member 22 in which it is mounted.

When the members 22 at one side of the table are aligned with their open ends adjacent to each other the block 27 is slid longitudinally into the adjacent member 22, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 7, whereby the members 22 at one side of the table are locked together in horizontal alignment.

The side legs 10 are secured together by lazy tongs levers 30 and the legs 10 at each end of the table are connected together by lazy tongs levers 31. The respective lazy tongs levers are mounted on the legs in the following manner:

In each leg 10 are mounted bolts 32. such that shown "for instance in Figure 10. On the bolt 32 outside the leg 10 on each side thereof is a washer 33. There are two bolts 32 in each leg 10, one for the lower arms of the lazy tongs levers and one for the upper arms thereof. The arms of the side lazy tongs levers aremouuted on the bolt 32. as shown in Figure 1.0. and are held in position by means of nuts 31.

On the opposite end oil? each bolt 32 is an angle iron bracket men'iber held in position by nuts The arms of the lazy tongs levers 31 are secured to the brackets 35. The upper bolts 32 are mounted in vertically elongated slots 37. in the upper portions of the legs 10, so that they slide downwardly when the lazy tongs levers are ex: tended and upwardly when the lazy tongs levers are collapsed. V

In Figures 1 and 2, the table is shown with the lazy tongs levers extended, and in Figures 3 and 9, they are shown in collapsed position.

Each member 22 is braced with relation to the leg to which it is pivoted in the following manner: A brace bar 38 is pivoted, as at 39,to the lower part of the leg l l and when the table is e ended is inclined upwardly toward the center of the table. as shown for instance in Figure 1. A similar brace bar '40 is pivoted as at ll to the member 22.

ln Figure 4, I have shown the means for jointing the members 38 and 40 together. Mounted on the member .0 at its lower end adjacent to the member 38 is a downwardly opening channel-shaped member &2 secured to the member 32 by means of bolts or rivets 4C3 extending through thebraeemember 4-0 and the side walls of the channel-shaped member 42.

On the side walls of the channel-shaped member 42 are downwardly extending cars 44. On the upper end of each member 36 is an ear d5 arranged between the ears a l of the member 42 and pivoted thereto by means of a pin 46.

When the braces are extended. as shown in Figure 1., it will be seen that the member L2 locks the members 40 and 38 rigidly in line.

When the table is collapsed, the member 38 folds upwardly alongside the leg 10 and the member tO swings downwardly with the inner end of the member 22.

It will be understood that there is a brace at each end of the table at each side thereof. Similar braces are provided for supporting the members 23 and 25.

At what may be called the foot of the table, the braces are the same as those already described, comprising the members 38 pivoted at 39 and the members 40 p voted at 47 and connected by a member 1:2 in the manner already described.

At the forward or head end of the table, the brace members are the same, including the brace members 38 and 4:0.

The manner of mounting the upper ends of the members 40 with relation to the members 23 will now be explained.

In the outer wall of each member is longitudinally elongated slot Mounted in each member 23 is a block 49 having a series of holes 50 therein and adapted to slide longitudinally in the member 23.

On the inner side of the member 4120 adjacent to the member 23 is a spacer block 51. A bolt 52 extends through the member 40 and the spacer block 51. The slot 4:8 is connected with the block 51.

The inner wall of each member 23 has slidably mounted therein a locking pin 53 yieldingly held by a pull spring 5-1 in its inner position of movement. The pin 53 is designed to selectively enter the respective holes 50 in the block 49 for locking said block and thereby locking the upper end of the head 40 of the brace at the head end of the table against movement, after the members have been adjusted to horizon tal position or position inclined from the horizontal.

It will be understood that a foldable top is provided which is adapted to be placed on the table, when it is in use.

I have used various kinds of collapsible tops for the table, but I preferably use a top, having at least a portion thereof made as illustrated for instance in Figure 16 comprising the five members 55 56. 57, 58 and 59 arranged in a ser1es with their edges adacent to each other, the successive members In the practical use of my improved table,

when it is expanded, the parts are in the position shown for instance in Figure 1. The lazy tongs levers are expanded as far as they will go. The length of the slots 37 determines the limit of expansion of the lazy tongs levers.

positions. The braces 40 serve to strengthen and hold the members 22 rigidly in horizontal position. The rearwardly extending braces at the foot of the table support the members 25 and the forwardly extendingbraces at the head of the table support the members 23. The members 23 may be inclined upwardly from the legs 10 at the head of the table and may be locked in the desired position of their adjustment by means of the pin The leg members 11 may .be adjusted up wardly or downwardly for determining the height of the table' Ordinarily in my use of the table, I employ it as an embalming table and leave the legs at one height all of the time. The legs, however, can be extended for adapting the table for use as a surgeons table or the like.

The collapsible top is laid on the members 22, 23 and 25 The members 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 do not extend the full length of the table, and I therefore use a few otherconnected sections of top. The adjacent ends ofthe table top members are rotated to permit their free pivotal movement. The members 18 are preferably provided with upwardly extending pins 63, such as is shown in Figure 3. These pins are designed to project into the under surface of the sec tions of the top of the folding top or cover for holding the folding top or cover against movement. a

When it is desired to collapse the table after it has been used. the cover members are removed and those which are to go inside the package are folded up. The members 55, 57, 58 and 59 are laid out flat, as shown by dotted lines in Figure 16.

The joints ofthe braces supporting the 'members 25 are broken and the members 25 are folded downwardly against the legs 10 at the foot of the table. The pins 53 are re leased from'engagement with the blocks 4L9.

The members 27 are slid to their locking and the joints of the braces, which support the members 23 are broken, and the memhere 23 are folded downwardly against the legs 10. The blocks 27 are withdrawn into the members 22 in which they are mounted and the joints of the braces, which support the members 22 are broken and the members 22 are collapsed downwardly to position adjacent to the respective legs 10.

The table may then be collapsed by pushing it together from end to end and also from side to side.

The side view of the collapsed table is shown in Figure 3 and the end view in Figure 9.

Washer or spacer members are used on the pivots 39 in order to allow the braces to clear the lazy tongs levers when the bed or the like is collapsed.

When the bed has been collapsed to its position shown in Figures 3 and 9, it is laid on the member 56, and the members 55, 57, 58 and 59 are folded over the collapsed table to their position shown in Figure 16. V

The remaining top portion indicated at in Figure 16 is placed within the package formed by the members 55 and so on, as shown in said figure.

Other material may then be placed on the inside of the collapsed table, there being considerable space therein, as shown in Fig. ure 16. 4

I have a foldable chair, which will fold into such space that it may be received within the table.

' On the member 55 is a handle 71, which may be grasped for carrying the device, shown in Figure 16, as a complete package.

To make a single package for the entire undertakers outfit, I have provided a case 75, shown in Figure 17, which comprises simply a box or the like, open at its top and adapted to receive the package shown in Figure 16. I provide a case or the like 76, also shown in Figure 17, which is shown partially open in said figure, adapted to carry instruments, bottles and the like. The case 76 is designed to rest on top of the case 75, when the package shown in Figure 16, is received in the case 75.

The cases 76 and have coacting fastening members 77 and 78, whereby they be secured together.

It will thus be seen that when the cases 75 and 7 6 with the package formed by the members 55, 5'6, 57 and 58 and 59 are employed together, a single package may be used for carrying all of the equipment necessary for the undertaker in caring for a body.

'The package is of such convenient size, that it may be easily carried in an automobile or by hand and conveniently transported from place to place.

The advantage of being able to carry the entire equipment, as here shown, in one package, over carrying two or three or four packages is obvious.

After the body has been cared for, the undertaker may take away the cases 75 and 76 leaving the package shown in Figure 16, comprising the table.

The table may be carried as a unit or may be carried in the case 75. i

A handle 7 0 is provided on the member 58 for carrying the case when in position as shown in Figure 16 of the drawings.

The members 70 indicated in Figure 16 of the drawings may be placed within the outline of the frame portion of the table by making the members 70 of slightly less width. The upper part of the case may then be used for carrying articles.

It is obvious from the foregoing description of the table that it could be very readily used or adapted for use for a great variety of purposes, and it will also be'seen that changes could be made in the construction and arrangement of the various parts of my improved table without departing from the essential features and purposes of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims, any modified forms of struc ture, or use of mechanical equivalents, which may be reasonably included within their scope.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a device of the class described, a collapsible frame, comprising spaced side members, each comp-rising a plurality of elements, means for detachably connecting the elements of each side member rigidly together, legs pivoted to said side members, lazy tongs devices for connecting the legs on the opposite sides of the device, means for bracing the respective legs to the respective sides, said frame being designed to be collapsed into a small space and a top made of sections hinged on transverse lines and adapted to be folded for forming a case for receiving the frame, means for fastening two sections of the top together for preventing the opening up of the top when it forms a case, and a handle on said top, whereby the entire package may be carried when the collapsed frame is received in the top as a case.

2. In a mortuary table or the like having four legs, side members each comprising a plurality of sections, said sections being hinged to the respective legs, means for locking the sections of each side together, said legs having forward projections, lazy tongs devices connecting the legs of the opposite sides of the device, a top compris-' ing sections hinged together along transverse lines and designed to receive said upward proj ections for holding the top against longitudinal movement when the device is set up.

3. In a mortuary table, a frame consist ing of four legs each leg having a head provided with opposite portions extending longitudinally of the frame, said frame members pivoted to said portions to swing from vertical to substantially horizontal position, the side members at each side of the frame having two parts and means for detachably securing said parts together along the transverse median line of the device, lazy tongs levers connecting the levers on the opposite sides of the frame and a ioldable top for said device.

a. In a collapsible device of the class described, opposite side members, each comprising two elements, and means for de- CHARLES E MORFOOT. 

